Malaga - a major port city located on the Mediterranean coast and is the capital of the homonymous province. It is the largest city on the Costa del Sol, the second largest population in Andalusia and the sixth largest in Spain.
Malaga, like a magnet attracts tourists and not only during the beach season, year-round on the streets of Malaga you can find a great number of tourists. The thing is that Malaga is famous not only for its long coastline, which has 18 beaches, but also for its rich history and culture, architectural monuments, Andalusian cuisine and shopping.
The history of Malaga spans about 2,800 years, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. The lands of Andalusia, including Malaga, have been inhabited since prehistoric times, but with the advent of the Phoenicians around 770 BC. and their settlements at the mouth of the natural territory of Guadalors, ball founded the city of Malaga.
Also Malaga is known as the birthplace of famous Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. The masterpieces of famous masters can be seen in the Museum located in the historic part of the city. In addition to Picasso, the list of famous natives of Malaga includes a famous actor Antonio Banderas and General Torrijos, in whose honor the square is named in the city and a monument is erected.
What you should definitely do in Malaga
1. Visit the monumental ensemble of Malaga - the fortress of Alcazaba and Hibralfaro, thereby touching the centuries-old history of the city.
2. Wander through the streets of the historical center, exploring the architecture and culture of the old part of Malaga.
3. Taste fish and seafood dishes in one of the most colorful neighborhoods of Malaga - El Palo beach.
4. To see Malaga from a bird's flight, a ride on one of the biggest Ferris wheels in Europe - Noria Mirador Princess.
5. Meet Malaga sunset. Sunset in Malaga is truly beautiful and so varied that one is never similar to another.
The Beaches Of Malaga
The long beach strip of Malaga gives a great variety of different beaches. Most of the beaches of Malaga sandy, well-equipped and having all the necessary amenities such as sun loungers and parasols, children's play areas, litter bins, showers and toilets, medical stations and rescue towers as well as beach cafes and restaurants. Several beaches of the coast of Malaga smoothly flow into each other so that you do not immediately understand where one begins and ends the other. There are two beaches for Pets.
Most popular and most visited beach of Malaga is the beach, located in the heart of the foreshore and walking distance from the historic centre of La Malagueta beach (Playa de la Malagueta).
Also in Malaga is particularly prized beaches:
La Caleta (Playa de la Caleta) immediately following the La Malagueta beach to the East coast.
The beaches of Pedregalejo and Las Acacias (playa de Pedregalejo), El Palo (playa del Carmen) and El Dedo (El playa del Dedo), visually representing a single sand strip.
Misericordia beach (Playa de la Misericordia) - a well-equipped wide and sandy. On the beach there are cafes and restaurants. This is one of the favorite and popular beaches in Malaga with locals and visitors alike. An overview of all the beaches of Malaga...
Quays Of Malaga
Along almost all the beaches of Malaga, lie beautiful promenades - walking areas. The embankments are not only picturesque, but also well equipped, on the embankments: cafes and restaurants, places for relaxation and souvenir shops, small children's and sports grounds.
The most beautiful and ideal for an evening stroll, in our opinion, are the promenades of the beaches:
La Malagueta and La Caleta
Pedregalejo, El Palo and El Dedo. The highlight of this place is that along the waterfront are low-rise buildings in a characteristic Andalucian style, painted with bright colors, as well as an abundance of cafes and restaurants where you can taste the best in Malaga fresh fish and seafood. Not only guests of the city come here and come, but local people with their whole families for lunch or dinner. Details about the fishing village of Malaga we told you earlier, you can find information and see photos in the article: "Fishing Paradise in Malaga!".
Promenade the beaches of San Andres and Misericordia located on the West coast from málaga centre.
The historic centre of Malaga
The old town of Malaga - the historic centre and heart of the city!
Streets of the historic centre of Malaga, in the basis, a narrow and spectacular. In the streets of the old historical buildings, museums and churches, as well as a small square with plenty of cafes and restaurants, shops and boutiques, salons and banks, night clubs and souvenir shops.
The main square in the historic centre of Malaga is Constitution square (Plaza de la Constitución). This is perhaps the largest and most visited square in the historic centre of the city. Plaza de La constitución, from the founding of Malaga acts as the heart of the old quarter. Square spend holidays and various urban activities, and on the eve of Christmas and New year, set the main city tree.
From the Constitution square, originates the most popular and elite street in the old part of Malaga Marques de Larios (Calle Marqués de Larios). This street is not long, there are many shops and boutiques on it, street performers perform, entertaining local residents and visitors. On the eve of the main winter holidays, the street is decorated with a beautiful ensemble of light compositions.
Of málaga's old town is very compact, it can be easily explored on foot in one day. However, despite its small size, this is concentrated most of the historical monuments and attractions of the city. Read more about málaga's old town...
Sights Of Malaga
Cathedral of Malaga
Or simply La Catedral (Catedral de Málaga) is the most famous, monumental, beautiful and memorable sights of Malaga. Malaga Cathedral is considered the pearl of the Renaissance in Andalusia. The Cathedral has only one tower, according to some on the construction of the second tower did not have enough money. Due to the lack of one tower to the people of Malaga Cathedral, nicknamed "La Manquita", which means "The One-Armed Lady". Inside is the Cathedral Museum.
The Alcazaba and Gibralfaro
Both locks have a convenient location, they are close to each other. Of the two fortresses of Malaga, the Alcazaba is the best preserved, so it is probably more interesting to visit, while the Gibralfaro less fortunate, she was, for the most part, only fortified defensive walls, gates and towers. However, the view of Malaga, opening from the walls of the Gibralfaro, just gorgeous. Read more about the Alcazaba fortress and Gibralfaro castle...
Roman theatre
Located at the foot of the hill of Gibralfaro, near the Alcazaba, the Roman theatre (Teatro Romano de Málaga) Dating to the 1st century BC at the time Malaga was part of one of the Roman provinces. For its intended purpose theatre used until the 3rd century BC Later, when Malaga was conquered by the Muslims, the theater has lost its basic functions and turned into a quarry. It was then that the theater began to undergo a Grand devastation, many parts of the theater went to the construction of the neighboring castle - Alcazaba.
Bishop's Palace
Bishop's Palace (Palacio Episcopal) is currently the object of cultural heritage of Spain. The building of the Palace was built in 1762 and is now considered one of the best examples of civil architecture of Malaga. Special attention is paid to the design of the main entrance on the main facade, designed in the Baroque style and in the shape of balconies and altar. Now the building houses the Diocesan Museum of sacred art.
Church Of The Sacred Heart
On one of the tiny squares of the historic center of Malaga can be seen a beautiful monument of Gothic art of the Malaga Church of the sacred Heart (Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesus), Dating back to 1920.
Plaza de Toros "La Malagueta"
Bullring in Malaga is called Plaza de Toros "La Malagueta" (Plaza de toros de La Malagueta) is one of the most popular places in the city. Currently, a round arena is more than just a battle of the bulls, it is also one of the symbols of Malaga. If you are not a fan of fighting people with animals, then you can just visit the bullfighting museum, where you will get acquainted with the history of bullfighting in Malaga.
City Hall and gardens Luis Alonso
City Hall of Malaga (Casa consistorial de Mаlaga) or just the town Hall of Malaga is one of the main and most beautiful buildings of málaga, considered to be an achievement of the Spanish architects of the 20th century and represents an unusual combination of styles of art Nouveau and neo-Baroque. Currently the town Hall is the city Hall.
Near the building of the town Hall lies the beautiful gardens of Pedro Luis Alonso, also known as the gardens of the town Hall (ardines de Pedro Luis Alonso) with an abundance of citrus trees, ornamental shrubs and promenades.
Annually exhibited in the town Hall, giant Christmas composition - Belen, and the building of the town Hall, together with Luis Alonso gardens have become a great Duo and have been listed as historical monuments. Read more about City Hall and gardens Luis Alonso in málaga...
Malaga Park
The Malaga Park (Parque Malaga) - Central in Malaga and one of the largest urban parks in Europe, founded in 1896. This Park is a favorite destination of locals and visitors for walks and relaxation, as well as one of the ten most spectacular sights of Malaga.
The Park covers an area of over 30,000 square meters on which are located the three walking paths along the perimeter of the Park, fountains and sculptures, children's play areas and places for rest, curved alleys and small flower beds. Read more about the Park of Malaga...
A large cruise port
Malaga port (Puerto Malaga) - international sea port, host coastal passenger and cargo transportation. It is the oldest continuously working port in Spain and one of the oldest in the Mediterranean Sea where the largest cruise liners can enter world.
Along the port is the promenade - Avenue of the Muelle UNO (Paseo del Muelle Uno) is one of the favorite places for visitors to the city for an evening stroll. Currently part of the Boulevard is a shopping and entertainment zone, along which there are: cafés and restaurants, shops and a shopping centre. And the second is a picturesque promenade with palm grove of surprises (Palmeral De Las Sorpresas), where you can see a series of interesting sculptures, shaded areas with Seating, a small fountain and children's play areas. Located here: Maritime Museum of Alborania (Classroom of the Sea Museum Alborania) and a branch of the Parisian art-Pompidou centre - Pompidou Centre in Malaga (Malaga Pompidou Centre); one of the symbols of the city - overlooking Marina lighthouse, flora (La Farola De Malaga) and Ferris wheel (Noria Mirador Princess), one of the largest in Europe. Read more about Malaga port...
Botanical garden of Malaga
Botanical garden of Malaga (Jardín Botánico La Concepción), there are already more than 150 years. Currently, the garden of La Concepcion is considered parkland. Garden this small, but diverse and is especially beautiful during the seasons of flowering. In the garden are many varieties of palm trees and aquatic plants that some species of coniferous trees, and Fig trees, cacti, orchids and Magnolia trees, vineyards and olive trees.
Botanical garden is located not in the center of the city, and more than five kilometers away from itself, so to visit it is better to allocate a separate time.
Park Natural Montes de málaga
To the north of the center of Málaga, just a few kilometers from the city, is the Montes de Málaga Nature Reserve. The park occupies 4,996 hectares of land and is washed by several storm basins, which are tributaries of the Guadalmedina River. Inside the park there are 150 kilometers of forest trails, of which 45 are suitable for vehicles.
The peculiarity of the park is that it is a vivid example of reforestation after centuries of cultivation on its territory.
The Park has a unique landscape, rich in streams, valleys and hills, there are several viewing platforms. The main value of the Park lies in the diversity of its plant and animal life. Park Montes de málaga can be an excellent solution for walks in the fresh air far from the bustle of the city.
Central de Atarasanas Market
Separately, you can stand out for the Central de Atarazanas market (Mercado Central de Atarazanas) - the central grocery market where, in addition to the abundance of fruits, olives, cheeses, fish, meat and other products, you can taste wines and taste some uncomplicated dishes of local cuisine.
Excursions in Malaga
How to get to Malaga
The fastest and most convenient way to get to Malaga is by plane. Direct flights connect Malaga with many cities in Europe, as well as Africa, North America and Asia. View and book tickets to Malaga here.
From Malaga airport to the center
Málaga Airport (Málaga Costa del Sol) has a convenient location and is only 8 kilometers from the historic center of Málaga, so you can get from the airport to the center of Málaga or from the center of Málaga to the airport quickly and comfortably.
Taxi/Shuttle Service
Getting from Malaga airport to the center of Malaga, as well as other cities on the Costa del Sol, is more convenient and quicker by taxi. To order a taxi/Shuttle service in advance, even from home. At any time of the day, at the airport, the driver will be waiting for you with a sign, where your first and last name will be written. To order a taxi, it is enough to report your flight data!
Car rental
The most convenient way to travel around Andalusia is a car. You can rent a car in advance, even from home, the car will be waiting for you immediately upon arrival at the airport. Car for rent can look and book here, the rent is quite reasonable, starting from 13,94 EUR per day.
Bus
The connection of the airport with the center of Malaga is provided by the Express Airport bus (line A), which takes 15-20 minutes to get from the airport to the center. The fare is 3 euros. Tickets are purchased in cash from the bus driver at the entrance. Buses run daily, every 15-30 minutes, from the airport to the center of Malaga - from 07:00 to 24:00; from the center of Malaga to the airport - from 06:25 to 23:30 hours.
Commuter train
Line C1 of Renfe suburban trains connects málaga airport with the city center and a few places on the Costa del Sol. Line route S1: Malaga Centro-Alameda - Fuengirola (via airport). Train for the 12 minute drive to the center of Malaga. The train from the airport goes through the main Malaga train station and to the train/railway station Malaga Centro-Alameda.
Where to stay in Malaga
The choice of accommodation in Malaga is very large and diverse, here you can find accommodation for every taste and budget, from the most budget to 5-star hotels, luxury villas, country houses, hotels and apartments, both on the first line, where the Windows will overlook the beach and the sea, and in the city center.
All accommodation facilities in Malaga, from budget to luxury, you can view and book here.
Currency and visas
Spain is part of the Schengen area. To visit the country, you may need travel insurance.
Spain is part of the euro zone, because the country's currency is Euro (€). Both cash and bank cards are accepted for payment in many shops, cafes and restaurants.
